Niobium alloys exhibit exceptional strength and lightweight advantages in the ultra-high temperature environment. However

conventional processing techniques face challenges in fabricating intricate components. In this study

two niobium alloys

Nb52 and Nb52 – 0.1ZrC

with dense microstructure

were prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) technology. The results show that the introduction of ZrC carbides significantly improves the strength of SLMed niobium alloys

and its yield strength

tensile strength

and plastic strain in the as-printed state reach up to 745.91 MPa

795.45 MPa

and 1.8%

respectively. Fracture behavior at room temperature exhibits a combination of intergranular fracture and transgranular fracture modes. This work broadens the forming process of niobium alloy

and provides a new research idea for improving the properties of niobium alloys and developing a new low-cost niobium alloy system.